Here we are, already in August, how quickly that happens!!! I hope you’re enjoying your summer, the long hot days, and the wonderfully warm nights too. I hope you’ve had amazing adventures with your family and friends, I know I’ve had some amazing times with new friends in the wilderness, and enjoying time exploring locally. I even had the opportunity to foster an energetic kitten for a little bit while he recovered and learned how cushy life can be indoors.

I know we’re only in early August here, but I know some of kiddos are getting ready to go back to school, parents are rejoicing, and the routines of ‘regular’ life will soon be back.

For me in photography, this is the time I start to look forward to the holiday season (and every year it never ceases to blow my mind! I’ve been doing this for 12 years, and every year, it’s “the holidays are only 4 months away! WHAAAAT?!?). I am beginning to think about locations for photo sessions, and I began thinking about some of my favorite locations around the South Bay.

I have lived in the South Bay of Los Angeles for over 4 years, and I fall in love with the Manhattan Beach pier with every shoot .

The pier itself lends for pretty architectural lines both underneath as well as while serving as a backdrop. Under the pier at sunset has some of the best lighting around, especially when the sun sets right through the opening….the reflections at low tide make for amazing details, and even in winter, the water lapping at your toes is incredibly refreshing!

I’m sharing some of my favorite images from previous photo sessions at the Manhattan Beach pier. If you live anywhere near, it’s pretty much a requirement to have your portraits taken there!

It’s the last day of summer. That makes me sad a little bit, but excited at the same time. Fall is one of my favorite times of year, the slight chill in the air-and being in SoCal, I mean slight! There’s even a fall-like smell in the air. With fall comes time for Holiday Portraits! Schedule your holiday portraits now and receive special discounts on your Holiday Card order!

I custom design Holiday cards for each client. We sit down during your personal ordering session and talk about the look and feel you would like for your cards; they can vary from fun and bright to simple and classic.

I met Carol and family last weekend at the beach in Santa Monica. It was not the most ideal day for portraits, it was so foggy; I stood in front of the *famous* Santa Monica Pier and I could barely see the Ferris Wheel!

Even though it was foggy, I think we had a great time and got some great shots!

All images are owned by Julia Varga and are protected by National and International Copyright Laws. Please do not download, print or other wise alter or manipulate any images. You can not use these images for any reason without my permission. Thanks!